Date of Birth: May 22, 1955
Date of Death: November 2, 2018
Gloria Frances “Fran” Walker passed away peacefully in her home, near Bergen, Alta., on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at the age of 63.
Fran was born on May 22, 1955 in Regina, Sask., to father, Alfred Berner and mother, Joyce Morin. She was raised mainly at Balcarres, Sask. and graduated from Balcarres high school.
After high school, she moved briefly to Winnipeg, and then to Saskatoon for work, shortly after which she met Terry. They moved to Fort Vermillion, Alta. and were married Aug. 21, 1976. They lived at ranger stations while Terry worked as a forest officer in Fort Vermillion, Grovedale and Robb.
Starting their family while in Grovedale, their daughters, Erin and Joanne, were born. They lived in Carstairs from 1981 to 1983 when their son, Ryan, was born. Later that year, they moved to an acreage east of Didsbury where they continued to raise their three children.
Their daughter, Erin, was diagnosed with leukemia in 1984 and passed away in 1987. This was a very difficult time in their lives that called for strength they never knew possible. After Erin’s passing, Fran decided to pursue her degree in education at the University of Calgary.
In 1996, the family moved west of Bergen, Alta. where they built their new home. Fran taught kindergarten in Calgary for two years, before taking positions in Olds, Spruceview and then Sundre. She taught at River Valley School in Sundre until December 2015 when her illness no longer allowed her to teach.
Fran was passionate about teaching, and enjoyed the camaraderie she found with her coworkers. She also found much joy in her later years loving her three grandchildren.
She loved to travel with her husband, Terry, especially visiting their cabin on Quadra Island, B.C.
Fran is survived by her husband, Terry Walker; children, Joanne (Dan) Hompoth and Ryan Walker (Gen Harris); grandchildren, Olivia, Madeline and Owen Hompoth; brothers, Lanny and Erwin Berner; sister, Sandy (Dallas) Howe; and sister-in-law, Ivy Berner.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Erin Walker; her parents; and her brother, Gorden Berner.
An informal memorial gathering was held at the Hompoth residence on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sundre Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.
Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Sundre, entrusted with arrangements. 403-638-4393 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
